Bystander Effect: When Everybody Does Nothing

If you were walking down the street and saw someone breaking into a store would you call the police? If you saw a man being beaten by a gang would you get involved? If you saw a random posting on Facebook by a woman who threatened to kill herself because she was sexually abused would you reach out and help? Most people would not get involved. It’s called the Bystander Effect.

I just learned about the Bystander Effect this morning. It would explain the Penn State Scandal. Why someone could witness something and do nothing. I’m sure some of you can relate. How you were being victimize and no one thought to help. They went about their business as if they could care less.

My message is to do something. Don’t turn a blind eye to the situation. You can’t do everything but you can do something. Get involved. One person can make a difference.